A Body in the Ballroom: A 1920s Mystery

Lady Ellen Investigates #4

by Kelly Mason

Lady Ellen finds herself presented with another mystery!

Lady Ellen spends her last fortnight in Branden Bay relaxing at The Grand Hotel. However, the peaceful holiday she desired is again interrupted when the dance host is found dead in the ballroom. The Frenchman was far from popular and there are a few suspects who would appear to wish him dead, as well as those who benefited from his demise. However, no one appears to know his history.

With the help of Lottie, Hamilton, Sebastian and three elderly guests of The Grand, she attempts to find the killer before her time in Branden Bay comes to an end. The search takes her to London and back again.

Can Ellen find the killer before they strike again?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

Hi, I love writing mysteries and started with a paranormal series. In the last couple of years I have been writing 1920s mysteries. I love the atmosphere of the time, that has been depicted on our screens and in fiction. Of the fashion, the cars, the parties following the war which gave everyone that 'live for the day' attitude.

I set my books in Somerset close to where I live, although the towns and villages are fictional they are based on real places local to me. They have to be fictional as I change them to fit the story. I do use the real cities though, such as Bristol and Bath Spa. They are places I visit often and it's great to be able to spend time researching what the cities were like 100 years ago.

I hope you enjoy reading my books.

Reviews

[Erin Crawshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 Now this is what i wanted book 3 to be

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Ellen’s extended stay in Brandon Bay is drawing to a close, so the last thing she needs is to become involved in yet another murder investigation. When the French dance host at the hotel is found strangled in the ballroom, she tries her hardest to stay out of proceedings, but when someone she knows is arrested, she can’t stand idly by.
This charming continuation of Lady Ellen’s story is most enjoyable. It’s always pleasant to return to a set of characters who have come alive in previous volumes, such as Lottie, the former maid and her beau, Sebastian, and Ellen’s sweetheart, Hamilton. Staying away from high society has allowed Ellen (and Sebastian) the freedom to live beyond the rigid lines that rule the English class system, and it was lovely to see Ellen making tiny steps towards following her heart. At the same time, her loyalty to those she has befriended drives her need to embrace another investigation, despite her best intentions.
Who, exactly, was the Frenchman, and where did he come from? Which of the many women he took advantage of, or indeed, their husbands, might have done away with him?
Perhaps my only tiny disappointment in this novel was that I had my suspicions about the culprit from early on, but I rather think that may simply be because I have a good understanding of story structure, and quite a track record now of reading cosy mysteries. Certainly, I didn’t find the author to have done any heavy-handed foreshadowing, rather the opposite.
If you enjoy 1920s set cosy mysteries about the English nobility, I highly recommend this enjoyable series.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Lady Ellen finds herself having to help solve a murder, not that she wants to. The male dance teacher at The Grand Hotel is found strangled & her friend Ina Is accused of the murder & begs Lady Helen to prove she didn’t do it. There are plenty of people who could well have done so, so she, Lottie, Captain Hamilton & Sebastian do a lot of thinking! Lady Ellen is also worried about how to let Captain Hamilton know how she feels about him before he leaves to go to a job in Egypt. An enthralling story & im looking forward to the next one.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Ellen hoped to enjoy her last days in Branden Bay but the universe obviously decided that as she was gifted with sleuthing skills, she should use them to help clear her friend of murder, whether she wanted to get involved or not! But with her trusty friends by her side, Ellen is determined that the wrong person does not hang for a crime that they did not commit.

Another intriguing mystery for the team - good solid plot with the added bonus of Ellen and Lottie's personal love lives in the background. Fun read

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know how the killer was until the end

I didn't know how the killer was until the end. That doesn't happen often. I liked the plot. There was just enough uncertainty to how done it. I hate books that go on an excessively long time to find the killer, your thinking this amateur sluth is not seeing clues right in their face. His story had just enough. I will definitely be reading the next book.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Relaxing Holiday

Lots of intrigue at The Grand Hotel. The "French" dancer seems to attract almost every female guest. Except Ellen, of course. She only has eyes for Captain Hamilton. Someone had enough of Michel Blanc and his lascivious ways. He was killed in the ballroom. Lady Ellen and her friends are asked to help with investigation. Who really did it?

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

I enjoyed it, I liked that Ellen finally embraces her feelings for Hamilton. Lottie’s future is more difficult but I’m sure in the end they will make it. It’s a new world out there with new threatening things to come.

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who are your friends , really?

An intriguing plot filled with a wonderful cast of characters old and new. All seem beset by the problems of life and living. Twists and turns throughout. Easy reading. Recommend.

[Malgorzata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Ellen and her friends found themselves in close proximity to a dead body. She didn't want to be engaged in the investigation, until one of her acquaintance is accused of being a murderer. Would she be able to help her or would murderer escape the justice?

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Lady Ellen story, good mystery, enjoyable characters.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series and this one installment was everything I wanted!! Can't wait until the next one!

[Cyn Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kelly Mason's books. Especially the 1920's series about Lady Ellen! Highly recommend her books!

[Jamiller24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story that keeps you guessing…who done it?

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style was too basic, spelling mistakes included. It was meh and I kind of gave up on it but I give it 2 stars for that nice cover.

[Janice Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Ellen once again finds herself investigating a murder, and almost becomes a victim herself. An enjoyable read.

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well another mystery solved. What a surprise that was. Who is The VS? I have a few ideas but looking forward to finding out. So anxious for the next one!